Following almost destroying our world, the relatives have become friends’: the thrilling audio series featuring John F. Kennedy & Khrushchev’s relatives.

During October 1962, the world edged closer toward destruction more so than ever in modern times. This occurred after an American reconnaissance aircraft identified the fact that Soviet atomic weapon installations were being built in Cuba, a mere 100 miles from the United States. Reacting to this, U.S. President JFK directed a naval task force to impose a naval quarantine encircling the island. What followed was almost 14 days of impossible anxiety.

The Catastrophic Danger

The peril was clear. Should President Kennedy, or the Russian opposite, Premier Khrushchev, were to fire on their enemy, a series of global atomic attacks followed by counterstrikes would have ensued, thrusting civilization toward total destruction.

The Cuban missile crisis has been documented repeatedly, through volumes, movies, as well as TV documentaries. However, in its latest installment, a prominent BBC World Service podcast The Bomb introduces a completely new dimension into the story. The series is jointly hosted by Max Kennedy and Nina Khrushcheva, family members of the men who, over two tense weeks, held the destiny of the planet within their grasp.

"What was the Soviet side planning? What were the American side planning?" questions Khrushcheva, the Soviet leader's great-granddaughter who is also a professor specializing in global relations.

In her view, the unique appeal of the podcast is its endeavor to explore: "Why do people hate one another to the point they confront each other?"

"It struck me how spectacular it is that humans can be friends or else can become complete enemies," adds Max Kennedy, the son of RFK, related to JFK and currently an author and attorney. "We see this repeatedly when nations enter into conflict, highlighting how unbelievably stupid involved to engage in warfare."

A Brink Towards Catastrophe

What is striking about the Cuban missile crisis was that, because it unfolded in the global spotlight, citizens worldwide were able to observe almost in real time as it crept towards catastrophe. Nonetheless, the threat of destruction came closer than what anybody realised.

"Virtually everyone among Kennedy's advisors wanted a military strike followed by an invasion," says Kennedy. "If we had attacked Cuba using the Sixth Fleet, there is no question the Russians stationed there would've fired a tactical nuclear weapon against the American ships, which would have sunk our naval vessels and destroyed America's primary fleet. In turn, we would have responded through massive retaliation which would have eradicated all life on the planet."

The fact it didn’t is a testament to both leaders, who managed to remain calm and engaging in diplomacy when hawkish elements around them were advocating action. Consequently, The Soviet premier agreed to withdraw the nuclear weapons from Cuba and Kennedy (although not reported at the time) withdrew American missiles based in NATO ally Turkey. The sense of relief was worldwide, matched by the sense of hope.

A Different Viewpoint

Yet, during those 13 days in October, the tension was felt by everyone. The Bomb’s co-hosts were born shortly after the crisis, with Nina learned about the crisis through the Soviet education system, which painted an alternative narrative of what happened.

"As you mentioned your father recalls it, describing it as a frightening time," Khrushcheva notes. "However for Soviet citizens, the public were largely unaware that much about it, since it was a crisis, and in the Soviet Union the official line was that everything was always wonderful and positive."

Inside Khrushchev’s family, however, it was distinct. "I was informed that it was a triumphant occasion for the USSR, as it represented a direct confrontation. The leaders managed to find a solution, thus didn’t start the war, which was a wonderful outcome," she continues. In the years to come, though, that view was not shared by everybody. "For decades in Russian politics, the crisis was viewed as a setback for the Soviet leader, because he didn’t blow up America."

An Unprecedented Collaboration

The Bomb is remarkably balanced and expertly crafted that Khrushcheva quips it almost made her forget she already knew outcome. This effect is, partly, due to contributions from historians. But, truly, the most momentous thing is the involvement of the hosts themselves. Even within living memory, it would be unthinkable that descendants of the heads of state of America and USSR to appear together publicly. The fact that these two individuals are able to do so, and be so warm with each other, has to be a sign of hope.

"Max and I are not the pioneers," notes Khrushcheva. "Following 1991, a relative moved to America and formed a close bond with the former president's family."

"But we had never met before the podcast," clarifies Max. "That is a shame because we connected immediately and we are friends, something that is wonderful. Finally, after nearly 60 years of nearly annihilating the world, our lineages have become allies, so I think the world is more secure, a little bit."

Modern Parallels with Present Perils

Is that truly the case? Part of why this series seems so urgent is because we now are living living through a perilous era. The Doomsday Clock is closer to catastrophe in its history, partly since world leaders appear not to be able to grasp